The Weekly Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the Combined Group saw a slight dip of 0.09 per cent week over week (WoW) for the week ending March 28, 2024.
However, compared to the same period last year, the SPI surged by 29.41 per cent, as revealed by data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The Combined Index stood at 323.20, a slight decrease from 323.50 the previous week, while it was considerably higher at 249.75 a year ago.
Among the 51 items monitored, prices of 04 (7.84 per cent) items increased, 18 (35.30 per cent) items decreased, and 29 (56.86 per cent) items remained stable during the week.
Notable decreases were observed in the prices of Tomatoes (12.04 per cent), Wheat Flour (3.80 per cent), Garlic (2.59 per cent), LPG (2.42 per cent), and Wheat (2.09 per cent).
Conversely, significant increases were noted in the prices of Chicken (4.92 per cent), Eggs (1.61 per cent), Shirting (0.56 per cent), and Rice Irri 6/9 (0.15 per cent).
The weekly SPI percentage change across all income groups indicated a decrease, ranging between -0.03 per cent and -0.27 per cent.
The lowest income group experienced the most significant weekly fall of 0.27 per cent, while the highest income group saw a decrease of 0.03 per cent.
On a yearly basis, SPI increased across all income segments, ranging between 22.15 per cent and 33.5 per cent.
The Lowest Income Group recorded a 22.15 per cent increase, while the highest income group saw a rise of 26.58 per cent.
In terms of specific commodities, the average price of Sona urea stood at Rs4,828 per 50 kg bag, marking a marginal decrease of 0.02 per cent compared to last week, yet reflecting a significant increase of 69.56 per cent compared to last year.
Meanwhile, the average Cement price was recorded at Rs1,220 per 50 kg bag, showing a slight decrease of 0.06 per cent compared to the previous week but an increase of 8.47 per cent compared to prices last year.
